Charlie remembered

I was at Kendal Town Hall on Monday to make a presentation to the Mayor in memory of our friend, Councillor Dr Charles Batteson, who died in January.

Charlie was always a colourful debater in the chamber and as a Save our NHS councillor he was proud to argue what were often independent views. In his later years he struggled with his illness but I will always remember Charlie for his deep humanity and caring attitude.

Knowing how much Charlie loved Kendal and its council, I painstakingly created two photomosaics of Kendal Town Hall which will now hang in the council chamber as a permanent memorial to this dedicated man and progressive thinker. I am pictured making the presentation with members of Charlie's family.

We need more Charlie Battesons in politics, whether it is at a local or national level. He was a man of unshakable principle with a concern for people who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.